Debate over the best position for Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i is the "first world problem" new Wallabies coach Les Kiss will attempt to solve in a Japan rematch in Townsville.
With Len Ikitau (ankle) injured, Sua'ali'i and Hunter Paisami formed the midfield partnership in Australia's hard-fought 35-32 defeat of Japan in Osaka on Saturday.
No.12 Paisami, coached by Kiss at the Queensland Reds for the last three seasons, made the most of his call-up as one of the side's best starters alongside impressive lock Josh Canham.
The 28-year-old will head to Japan next season to play his club football.
But, ahead of the rematch in Townsville on Saturday and next year's World Cup, Kiss's selections for his first Test in charge were perhaps foreshadowing that he remains firmly in the picture.
Debutant Isaac Henry, primarily a centre, was picked on the bench and pushed Sua'ali'i to the wing when he entered the fray in the final 10 minutes.
Ever since Sua'ali'i's switch from the NRL two years ago there has been debate over his best position.
Kiss said ahead of the Japan Test that he would be "persisting at 13 with him at this stage" but noted his ability to play both wing and fullback.
Ahead of the second clash with Eddie Jones' Japan, two-time World Cup-winning Wallaby centre Tim Horan renewed the push for the move, saying Sua'ali'i was "wasted" in the centres.
Horan wants to see Sua'ali'i flying for high balls on the wing, where he also thinks he'll see more ball in open spaces after struggling to get into the action in Japan.
Kiss, himself a former Australian and Queensland rugby league winger, won't have Ikitau in Townsville but could deploy Reds teammates Henry and Paisami in the midfield and push Sua'ali'i to the wing.
"Being that talented is a first world problem," fullback Tom Wright said of the predicament.
"So many opinions on it; it means (Sua'ali'i) is almost too good for people to just be happy with where he's at.
"The versatility across our entire backline is a weapon for us, to change the point of attack.
"And 'Su' could jump in anywhere - you could mould him into an inside centre, give him enough time to play five-eighth - he's going to be brilliant wherever you put him.
"I've seen his game grow so, so well in the 13 position and there's no mention from him, as in 'he wants to do this, doesn't want to do this', it's team first."
Paisami said the competition for a centre spot was driving them all.
The squad flew home on Sunday and began preparations in Brisbane before flying north on Thursday.
"Always hungry and in this environment it's very competitive; we've got some quality centres out there," Paisami said.
"The more we compete, the better we get as a team."
Horan has also called for Carter Gordon's return at No.10 after the flyhalf, fit after missing two Tests with a leg injury, ran water in Osaka and Declan Meredith made his third-straight start.
Tom Hooper (shoulder), able to play in the second row or as a flanker, will also return to the squad in Townsville with lock Miles Amatosero awaiting his punishment for a red card in Osaka.
There were no injuries against Japan but Kiss has flagged the likelihood of more changes - he made four to the starting side in his first Test in charge - as he looks at his options and assess the toll taken in hot Japanese conditions.
Australian Associated Press
